Van ambitie naar gedrag: zo werkt CO₂-reductie bij Imbema in de praktijk

09-04-2026
CSR
Van ambitie naar gedrag: zo werkt CO₂-reductie bij Imbema in de praktijk

Sustainability often starts with a goal. But the real difference lies in what you subsequently do on a daily basis. At Imbema, we set ourselves a clear ambition in 2023: by 2030, we aim to reduce our CO₂ emissions by 50% compared to 2023.

That sounds ambitious, and it is. But most of all, it's an invitation to change the way we work, think, and act.

From plans to concrete steps

The first steps toward this goal became visible in 2024. The focus was primarily on one of the biggest sources of emissions: the vehicle fleet.

Since mid-2024, only electric and plug-in hybrid cars have been added. This laid the foundation for structural reduction.
And you can see this reflected in the numbers:
  • 2023: 695 tons of CO₂
  • 2024: 650 tons of CO₂ (−6.4%) 

A nice first step, but not an endpoint.

2025: small behavioral changes, big impact

In 2025, it became clear that CO₂ reduction is not only about major investments, but also about daily choices.

Within the organization, awareness was raised:
  • Empty office? Turn off the heating. 
  • In Haarlem, there was more frequent use of air conditioning for heating 
  • In Vlaardingen, the heating in the warehouse was turned down 

No complicated technology. No major projects.
But simple choices, which together make an impact.

At the same time, we saw the effect of previous investments:
  • More electric kilometers 
  • Charging with green electricity 
  • Less emissions from mobility 

The result:
  • 2025: 596 tons of CO₂ 
  • A reduction of 8.3% compared to 2024 

Just under the target of 10%, but clearly on the right track.

Not everything declines automatically

The story isn't only positive, and it's important to acknowledge that.

For instance, in 2025:
  • The number of air travel increased (and so did the emissions) 
  • Gas consumption at the Nieuwerkerk location increased unexpectedly and (as yet) inexplicably 

This shows:
sustainability is not a straight line downward but a continuous process of adjustment.

2026: the next step  

Where the focus was initially on passenger cars, it now shifts to the next challenge:
vans with diesel engines and energy use in buildings.

Specifically, this means:
  • At least 1 out of 5 refuelings with biodiesel (HVO) 
  • Further electrification of the vehicle fleet 
  • Critically considering the necessity of business trips (or alternative transportation such as the train)
  • Continuing to seek ways to reduce gas consumption 

Why this matters  

CO₂ is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
Without CO₂, the Earth would be much colder, but the current increase is disrupting the climate.

The consequences are visible:
  • More extreme weather
  • Drought and flooding
  • Rising sea levels 

That is why we take responsibility. Not only because it is necessary, but because we want to.

Together we make the difference

What this development shows is that sustainability is not only a strategy.
It is something we do together, every day.

From choosing an electric car to turning off the heating in an empty space.

Ultimately, the greatest impact lies not just in systems or policies but in behavior.

And precisely there, as an organization, we make the difference.

Technical solutions for generations.
Not only in what we deliver but also in how we work ourselves.

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